How American fans welcomed Golovkin ahead of Boxing Hall of Fame induction
Gennady Golovkin, the first-ever Kazakhstani to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), met with fans in Canastota, New York. Speaking with a Qazinform News Agency correspondent in the United States, GGG shared his thoughts before the historic ceremony.
Ahead of the official induction, Golovkin hosted an open fan meet-and-greet during the traditional "Ringside Talks" Q&A session at the Boxing Hall of Fame Museum Grounds. The event is a cornerstone of the induction weekend traditions, alongside the Parade of Champions and the official induction ceremony.
During the session, fans listened to stories from the legendary boxer's career, asked questions, and lined up for autographs.
American media outlets packed the venue, all competing to secure an interview with Golovkin, whose ring achievements have earned him a permanent place in boxing history.
A second meet-and-greet took place at Canastota High School, where fans could obtain autographs and various souvenirs.
The demand was massive, with lines stretching across the entire pavilion.
Golovkin shared his reflections with the Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
"How does it feel knowing your career is now officially a part of international boxing history?"
"Thank you for coming out to support us, and for helping cover this to bring it home to our audience in Kazakhstan," Golovkin said. "What this means to me, what I’m feeling it's hard to put into just a few words. It’s pure pride because this is history in the making. This is truly a historic milestone. You are becoming an official legend of the sport. You are standing on the exact same pedestal as the icons who made boxing what it is today—Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson—you are in the same division with them now. That means the world.
The official ceremony takes place tomorrow. How do you describe the feeling when you get recognized, when you achieve what you’ve worked toward, dreamed of, and strived for so long? You know, I’ve been in boxing for over 35 years. This sport is my way of life; we’ve walked hand-in-hand. To receive this recognition now from the entire elite, the global boxing community, that is probably the most valuable thing there is."
In the United States, there is a large group of fans who have followed Golovkin since his debut in New York.
Brothers Eric and Austin traveled all the way from Chicago just to witness Gennady Golovkin join the Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
"I’ve been following GGG’s career ever since he made his debut here in New York, and we’ve been fans ever since. He’s a great fighter, a great person, and just so humble. He’s one of the greatest middleweights of all time," Eric shared.
Austin noted that he has been tracking the Kazakh boxer’s career highlights, titles, and knockouts for roughly a decade.
"He was the most exciting fighter to watch. People here have a lot of love for folks from Kazakhstan. He came all the way from the countryside to this stage, and the journey we got to experience through GGG has been amazing. Now, seeing him get inducted into the Hall of Fame — it’s so well-deserved, and he definitely earned his spot on that list," Austin said.
Eric shared a funny backstory, explaining that he is indirectly indebted to Gennady Golovkin for his marriage. When he met his wife, who happened to be from Kazakhstan, he already had a stellar impression of the country because of the fighter.
"She asked me, 'Are you Kazakh?' and I said, 'No, I'm Korean.' Everyone always mistakes me for Kazakh, so I thought, 'Oh my god, I’m just as Kazakh as GGG!' Now we’re married, so in a way, I’m Kazakh too, and I give credit to GGG for bringing my wife and me together," Eric recalled.
Another fan, Alan Frederick, said he made the trip specifically to get an autograph from the champion.
"He’s one of the best boxers of the last twenty years, hands down. He absolutely belongs in Canastota, and everybody loves him. He’s just an unbelievable fighter, one of the best in the world," Alan Frederick remarked.
Bill, a lifelong boxing enthusiast and massive fight fan, also waited in line for an autograph.
"He more than deserves this. He’s a fantastic fighter, he fought Canelo [Alvarez], and he belongs right here, so I’m really happy for him," Bill said.
Golovkin fought his last professional bout in 2022. Since February 26, 2024, he has served as the President of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and on November 23, 2025, he was elected President of World Boxing.
The official induction ceremony will take place on June 14, cementing Gennady Golovkin's status in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
